اللَّهُمَّ فَقِّهْهُ فِي الدِّينِ وَعَلِّمْهُ التَّأْوِيلَ
O Allah, grant him understanding in religion and teach him the interpretation (of the Quran).
Allahumma faqqihhu fid-deeni wa 'allimhut-ta'weel
When to Read
This powerful supplication is made by parents and guardians for a newborn child. It is ideally recited upon the birth of a child, during the tahneek ceremony (rubbing a date on the baby's palate), or at any time during the child's upbringing. It's a beautiful intention to set for your child's spiritual and intellectual development, aiming for them to grow not just in age, but in knowledge and wisdom.
How to Read
This dua is best recited with sincerity and conviction, directly addressing Allah. You can raise your hands in supplication as you would for any personal dua. It's a beautiful practice for parents to recite this over their child, breathing gently onto them while making the supplication, or to simply make it for them during their daily prayers or personal worship. The intention is key: seeking for the child a deep and practical understanding of Islam, including its manners and etiquettes.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua embodies the aspiration for a child to possess true Islamic knowledge and wisdom. 'Fi-d-deen' (understanding in religion) encompasses not just theoretical knowledge, but the practical application of Islamic teachings, which includes excellent manners (adab). Teaching the 'ta'weel' (interpretation) signifies seeking for the child the ability to understand the deeper meanings and wisdom within the Quran. This dua asks Allah to bestow upon the child the capacity for righteous knowledge, sound judgment, and a life lived in accordance with divine guidance, which naturally leads to good character and manners.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Ibn 'Abbas: The Prophet (ﷺ) entered the house and said, "O Allah, increase his understanding in religion and teach him the interpretation (of dreams/scriptures)." (Ibn 'Abbas said: Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) was asked about the interpretation of dreams). Sahih al-Bukhari 73. While this specific narration refers to Ibn Abbas's supplication for himself and also hints at seeking the interpretation of scriptures/dreams, the core request 'Allahumma faqqihhu fid-deeni' is universally applicable when seeking religious understanding for oneself or one's offspring. The parents' intention in reciting this for their newborn is to seek for them comprehensive religious understanding, which inherently includes proper adab.